Fat Transfer

Facial Rejuvenation from Your Own Fat Stores

Finally a natural method to restoring youthfulness to the face by replacing lost volume without removal of skin, stretching or unnatural looks resulting from facelifts. Facial Fat Transfer can be used with a face lift to enhance the facial rejuvenation.

Facial Fat Transfer is the procedure to remove surplus fat cells with meticulous extraction methods and to re-implant where needed - to the lips, nasolabials (mouth to nose folds), under the eyes, cheeks, chin, etc.

How is it done?

Under IV Sedation, fat is removed from the donor site (usually the buttocks, abdomen or the saddle bags) with a small needle with minimum vacuum suction as so not to damage the membrane of the fat cell. The fat is then spun in a centrifuge to remove excess fluids. The fat is then injected with the use of a separate smaller blunt needles either just under the skin or in the muscle (FAMI-Fat Autograft Muscle Injections) as their is a higher vascularity within the muscle increasing the longevity of the fat graft.

Well Does It Work?

Results are variable from individual to individual. If performed correctly it can last quite a long time—many years. However, there are many variables:

• Fat cell removal techniques – Dr. Tye uses an atraumatic extraction canula (tube)
• Handling techniques after removal
• Spinning/emulsions/serums/etc. – Dr. Tye performs a centrifuge with a sterile technique as described by Coleman, a pioneer in Fat Transfer
• Re-implantation techniques – Dr. Tye utilizes blunt injection canulas into specific areas as described by Drs. Coleman and Amar
• Patient's metabolism
• Patient aftercare of treatment area – Dr. Tye and Surgical Arts staff will guide you thru this process.
• Vascularity (blood vessel formation to the fat cell)
• In short, we count on the fat cells to survive the transplant process
  

Are You A Candidate For Fat Grafting?

The aging process brings on loss of elasticity , bone structure and fat loss. A haggard, hollow or even skeletal look is often the result. Candidates must be healthy and be mentally and emotionally stable to undergo an cosmetic procedure There is sometimes a period of depression after surgery and if there is already a pre-existing emotional problem, this can become a more serious issue. Please consider this before committing to a procedure.

What Areas Are Usually Treated?

Almost all areas of the face and body can be treated. Common treatment sites include:

• correction of "hollow" eyes, and visible tear troughs
• correction after aggressive removal of eye fat pads from lower blepharoplasty
• upper cheeks
• sunken cheeks
• chin
• lips – results are variable and less predictable than other areas
• jawline
• forehead and glabellar wrinkles
• facial scars
• nasolabial folds
• outer brow
• and anywhere else fat is needed or wanted

How often is it done?

Only small droppletts of fat are deposited to allow revascularization. Placing too much fat in one place at one time will choke of the vasculature and survival of the fat cells. Therfore, patients often need two to three treatments, or sometimes more. These can be done several months apart.

What is the healing process like?

There is a considerable amount of swelling and possible bruising. While most of the swelling subsides within two weeks, some swelling can last longer. While ice is often used for swelling, it is recommended not to be used with this procedure because it can limit the blood supply. During the healing process it is important to
KEEP THEAREA AS IMMOBILE AS POSSIBLE. BOTOX® is often recommended to help in this.